by C. Trent Rosecrans, USA TODAY Sports

by C. Trent Rosecrans, USA TODAY Sports

MINNEAPOLIS -- The last things the Cincinnati Reds could afford was an injury at the All-Star Game, and it appears they have dodged that despite the sight of closer Aroldis Chapman limping after recording the final out of the eighth inning at first base.

Chapman said he would be fine to pitch on Friday when the Reds open the second half of the season in New York against the Yankees.

"I'm fine, I've been pitching with it for a while and as long as I don't have to run, it feels good to pitch," Chapman said according to Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero serving as his interpreter.

Chapman is suited for that -- as he's struck out more than half the batters he's faced this season, 60 of 111.

Chapman recorded two outs (neither strikeouts) in the eighth inning for the National League in the 5-3 loss to the American League at Target Field on Tuesday. He got Oakland A's' Yoenis Cespedes to ground out to short and Seattle Mariners' Kyle Seager to hit a grounder to first baseman Freddie Freeman, and that's where Chapman ran to first to record the out and then appeared to limp off the field.

Chapman said he hadn't even thought about the hamstring until he started running.

"That was the last thing that went through my mind, but I knew if it happened, I'd have to cover the base," Chapman said according to Montero. "It did happen and he didn't want to sprint out and blow out my hammy there, so I just took it easy and there was time enough to get the out."

The Reds have been besieged by injuries of late. Not only is Joey Votto back on the disabled list for the foreseeable futures with quadriceps strain, Brandon Phillips will be out the next five-plus weeks after undergoing surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left thumb. Utility man Skip Schumaker went on the seven-day concussion disabled list before the All-Star break and pitchers Homer Bailey and Mat Latos each left their last starts early with ailments. Adding Chapman to that list would be another shot to the team that was playing its best baseball of the season heading into the All-Star break.

Afterward, teammate Devin Mesoraco said he thought Chapman was fine, but at that point hadn't talked to him.

"I highly anticipate that he's going to be fine -- knock on wood," Mesoraco said. "We can't even catch a break in the darn All-Star Game without guys pulling up."